Behaviour

It’s easy to become set in your ways. Deciding that the way you see the world, do your work, or even relax at weekends is fine the way it is. But your brain is anything but fixed in its ways. It’s a dynamic, evolving structure that uses neurons (electro-chemical impulses) to connect your thoughts. It also has a remarkable ability to reshape itself, called Neuroplasticity. Plasticity means the ability to be moulded.

Why does the subconscious mind lean so naturally toward negativity? To understand this, we need to explore how the neurological wiring of our brains shapes our psychological identities. Unfortunately, this wiring often tilts toward the negative, leading to outcomes like low self-esteem or an inherently pessimistic outlook. This happens because the human brain is naturally wired to prioritise negative stimuli.

With only two weeks until the holiday season, most of us are focused on ending the business year well. But when the madness stops, remember to pause and reflect on how the year has been for you as a person. Taking the time to reflect on the past year before diving into plans for 2025 is a transformative practice. Introspection is a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional well-being, and setting the stage for future success.

As businesses gear up for the 2024 holiday season, innovative employee engagement activities are taking centre stage. Forward-thinking companies are creating memorable experiences that foster connection, boost morale, and spread festive cheer. These activities use digital technology to reach out to employees and engage them differently. Unlike the traditional year-end drinks party, this doesn’t take money.

With call centres, you can always detect when a standard script is being followed. But the positive CX experiences we remember are the ones where, in just a little way, some rapport has been established. One lousy experience on the phone can destroy millions worth of advertising investment. That lousy experience may be over something little. Getting those little things right can often have the biggest positive consequences.

As we enter December, expecting employees to be interested in doing things differently is unreasonable. Naturally, they want the business of the year to end well. But most are on a fixed track, focusing on their performance metrics and hoping for the best. Leaders are in limbo between 2025 business plan approval and deciding what to say about the future at the year-end party. Expect to hear ‘Agility’ more often in discussions.